Kessia was born on December 1, 1967, in Columbia Hospital in Washington, DC. She was welcomed into the world as the youngest of three daughters to the late Paul Roland Thomas and Naomi Elizabeth Gaines who both preceded her in death. At an early age, Kessia joined and was baptized at the New Macedonia Baptist Church, in SE, Washington, DC under the Pastorate of Reverend Robert Walls.
Kessia attended DC Public Schools. Kessia was among one of the first students to be accepted to the Benjamin Banneker Senior High School in Northwest DC. She later attended and graduated from Frank W. Ballou High School. She then attended the University of the District of Columbia for two years and shortly after leaving college she then joined the workforce. Kessia has an extensive and diverse list of work experience. Her first job was at Law Firm in Northwest DC conducting research and performing clerical work. After that, she worked in the Office of the Comptroller for the U.S. Department of Treasury in Human Resources. She moved to the Food and Drug Administration in the Department of Agriculture as a Payroll Specialist. She later decided to leave the Federal Government and pursue her interests as a Correctional Officer at the Correctional Treatment Facility where she then became a Security Officer and then Lieutenant at that facility.
Kessia returned to the Federal Government and worked at the Smithsonian Institution. She proudly served as a Smithsonian Officer and was later promoted to an Administrative role as a Museum Support Assistant where she supported Building Management for the renowned Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, Renwick Museum, Postal Museum and Victor Buildings.
Kessia was very well known, appreciated, and loved by all her fellow colleagues. Her willingness to assist anyone in the time of need never went unnoticed.
Kessia had a profound love of music, she enjoyed hosting social gatherings by preparing feasts, competing in card and board games with family and friends.
Kessia leaves to cherish her memory her beloved daughter Kiyah Arter, two sisters, LaTanya (Tammy) Johnson, Lenora Gaines, Lynae’ Gaines (Niece), Janet Gaines (Aunt), Marvin Tyler (Godson), Sheila Campfield (Godsister), Michael Arter (Kiyah’s Dad), and a host of cousins, other relatives and close friends.
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